Airborne Microplastics Trap Heat and Amplify Global Warming

New research published in Nature Climate Change reveals that airborne microplastics absorb sunlight and trap heat in the atmosphere. While the global impact is currently smaller than black carbon, the effect is significantly higher in areas with heavy plastic pollution, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Scientists found that colored plastic particles are the primary drivers of this warming effect. The study suggests that current climate models may need updates to account for how these particles, often swept up by winds and storms, contribute to regional temperature rises.